The senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Senator Ned Nwoko, has received royal commendation and backing for his legislative efforts, particularly his push for the creation of Anioma State.
During a courtesy visit to the Asagba of Asaba, His Royal Majesty, Obi (Prof) Epiphany Azinge, at his Abuja residence, the traditional ruler praised the senator’s dedication and legislative impact.
Welcoming Senator Nwoko, the Asagba of Asaba lauded his vibrancy, commitment, and legislative prowess, noting that he has been one of the most active lawmakers in the current Senate.
“I commend you so much for all you have been doing. You have always been vibrant and focused, always wanting to touch the lives of your constituents. I have followed the Senate activities with keen interest, and I note you are one of the senators that have moved the highest number of bills within this short period of your sojourn as a senator.
“That is what we want to hear about our representatives— that their voices are being heard, that they are visionaries in their own rights, and certainly that they are good representatives of their people,” Asagba stated.
The traditional ruler lauded Senator Nwoko’s commitment to the Anioma cause, emphasizing that he had elevated the agitation for Anioma State to a national and international discourse.
“Distinguished Senator, there is nobody that cannot praise you for the commitment you have demonstrated in the pursuit of Anioma State. You have brought it to the front burner of national discourse, if not international discourse. You have pursued it with zeal, passion, enthusiasm, and a lot of commitment.
“You have done so brilliantly in that regard. Even anybody with the slightest iota of doubt will see reasons in the way that you have pursued it”, he said.
Asagba Azinge admitted that while his earlier stance was that those who opposed Asaba as Delta State capital should seek their own state, Senator Ned Nwoko’s approach had changed the narrative.
“My position hitherto was that those who never wanted Asaba as Delta capital can go and look for their own state. We shouldn’t be the ones doing the job. But you changed the narrative, and it is for us to buckle down and support you. If seeking Anioma state is the way you feel we should go, fine, we will queue behind you and support you”, he declared.
The traditional ruler emphasized the importance of territorial delineation, stating that the people of Anioma are not willing to be merged across the Niger, and called for Anioma that will still remain in the South-South.
However, he pledged Asaba’s unwavering support whichever way the state creation goes.
“Whichever way it goes, know that we from Asaba will always queue behind you, we will be your cheerleaders, supporting you.
“Invite us for your public hearing, we will come. Whatever it is, we will make a formidable case that will be difficult to puncture in order to support you and your submission.
“I commend you immensely for all that you have been doing. We know it has not been easy, but the way you have been navigating shows the caliber of person you are at any point in time. Your confidence is indescribable, to say the least.
“My prayers, wherever I am, is that the land of Asaba will always continue to support you, guide you in a way and manner that most of your visions and dreams for our people will come to fruition.”
In his response, Senator Ned Nwoko reiterated that the proposed Anioma State consists strictly of the nine local government areas of Delta North.
“It is important to note that when our forefathers started this struggle, there was nothing like zoning in Nigeria. It later came just as a political nomenclature to address some imbalances in zoning some important offices in Nigeria—Office of the President, the Vice President, the Senate President, the Deputy Senate President, the Speaker, the Deputy Speaker.
“Anioma is in South-South, but what do we have in common with Bayelsa, Rivers, Akwa-Ibom, Cross River, or Edo that we currently share the same zone with? The idea of being part of the South-East should not be confused with our identity,” Senator Ned Nwoko clarified.
